The newest 'hot' cruise destination is just a short flight from home
Cruisers can't get enough of the Mediterranean - a classic cruise destination that's not likely to go anywhere.
But Aussies are packing out sailings to another destination closer to home.
Japan is up there as one of the world's hottest cruise spots, MSC Cruises & Explora Journeys bosses say. Other experts have also seen the surprise rise in Japan as a cruise must-do.
READ MORE: 'I think I'm the only person I know or ever heard of that didn't go to Japan this year'
Japan is up there as one of the world's hottest cruise spots, MSC Cruises & Explora Journeys bosses say. Other experts have also seen the surprise rise in Japan as a cruise must-do. Getty
Osaka Tower in Japan, which is becoming popular for cruises. Getty
Meanwhile, forget Rome.
MSC Cruises, which allows passengers to get on and off at different ports, says more passengers are choosing Bari, in Italy.
It's in Puglia, which has become a trendy spot to see in Italy, just above the 'heel' of the boot.
Bari has a 19th century old town and a seafront and is close to the famous Trulli houses
"We are seeing more customers choose to embark from Bari in Italy than we have ever seen before, but Rome remains the number one choice for embarkation point, followed by Barcelona and Venice," Antonio Paradiso, Vice President International Sales, MSC Cruises & Explora Journeys says.
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Bari in Puglia is becoming a cruise hotspot. Getty
Meanwhile, MSC says it's seeing sport have a big influence on cruisers too.
They want to time their trips with getting some on field or track action.
Other travel companies say Aussies want to tie in holidays with wanting to see sporting events.
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According to Skyscanner, 28 per cent of all Australian travellers planned to travel either domestically or internationally to see a sporting event this year.
The 'wellness' trend is also having an impact on cruises, at least in a small way.
"The rise of the 'me-kend' shows that people are prioritising short, restorative breaks as a form of self-care, while others are embracing digital detoxing and the calming connection to nature that time at sea uniquely provides," Antonio says.
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MSC World Atlantic will be the latest World Class ship Supplied
MSC Cruises will sail its first Alaska season in 2026, with seven-night itineraries on MSC Poesia from Seattle to Ketchikan, Icy Straight Point, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Juneau in Alaska and Victoria in Canada.
The American state spot is a more nature-focused voyage than many.
As for Eurosummer, the company is also seeing a trend, like others, of avoiding high season.
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"More travellers are recognising the benefits of travelling in the off-season with its milder temperatures, fewer crowds and more affordable pricing," the firm says.
Families are also evolving how they travel, with over 80 per cent of parents telling MSC their children now help choose their holiday.
The company is preparing to launch two mammoth new ships.
READ MORE: 'My first cruise set the bar so high I'm not sure I can ever cruise again'
MSC World Asia's World Galleria Supplied
MSC World Asia launches in the Mediterranean in December 2026.
MSC World Atlantic will sail from Orlando's Port Canaveral, Florida from November 2027.
